12 to 14.5V
However, the terminal voltage could be in this region but the battery
could be incapable of providing the high currents needed to turn over
and start the engine in cold weather.
What problems are you experiencing?
If the battery on your 1999 car is original and you are having problems
starting a prime suspect would be the battery, especially if the car is
left out in the cold overnight.
It may also be worth checking the fluid levels in the battery and
cleaning and re-making the battery terminal connections.

All,
The problem I am experiencing is the car has a habit of not starting
first time (it used too).
I have checked the battery my self and also the guys at halfords who
deemed it fine (I was expecting a sales pitch), my local (reliable
garage) have cleaned and adjusted the plugs. But the problem still
remians what else can I do to narrow the problem down ?? or fix it ?
Paul
TIA
Alan wrote:

Yep. As I discovered when I had my most recent key cut. I tried
it just for yucks to see how the car would behave with the key
'unprogrammed'. To my surprise, the starter would not even turn.
I had previously read somewhere that without the ECU having learned
the RFID chip in the PATS key, that the engine would start and
run briefly (~ 1s) before shutting down. Nope. It won't even
crank, much less start or run.

key.
Hmm that is most odd, as my 2000 1.8 Zetec with the Siemens-linked PATS
system will crank but not fire. Whilst the PATS like flashes quickly.. I too
tried with an un programmed newly cut key..
Can only assume Ford used either different software or a different breed of
PATS unit which works slightly differently in some cars?
Tim..

Most Car batteries only last about 4-5 years. I would say that your battery
is just about reached its useful life span.
Its cheap piece of mind to replace them after 4 years.
To check a battery you should really have a load test done on it, most
places generally do not charge for this, it only takes them 5 minutes.
But you can do a little test on it yourself.
The battery voltage car not running should be 12 volts or close to it. If
its 11.0 volts or under, its had it.
When the car is running the voltage across the terminals should be about
13.6 - 14 volts.
If the car is difficult to start or the lights really dim when you operate
the starter this is a sign that the battery is getting weak.
Hope this helps.
Hi,
What voltage/current should my 1999 X reg 1.8 petrol Zetec focus be in
the region of ? I would like to check myself before helfords (or
similar) charge me for something I do not need.
Thanks Paul

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